Are you looking at adding more space to your existing home? Loft conversions are the best way to do so.
You have a choice of installing a flip-down ladder and a window, and using the space to set up your personal space.
Alternatively, you can invest some money, call in the professionals and get a proper job done.
Remember a flip-down ladder constitutes a temporary staircase and does not count as extra living space come time to sell up and move on.
This article provides the beginner with a guide to loft conversions that can be used as a springboard when getting started.
Regardless of whether you plan to bring in an architect, some of the questions you will need to find answers to include but are not limited to: * Loft conversions - all about the bathroom Should loft conversions include the addition of a bathroom? What sort of extra cost are you looking at? How much will the addition of a bathroom affect the proportions of the room? Will your existing plumbing system be able to cope with getting water up to the loft and also handle the additional pressure? * Loft transformation - will it be a bedroom Does the planned conversion intend the room to become a bedroom? What size of bed will you be able to fit in the space you have? How about head height - do you have enough room and will it be comfortable to get in and out of bed? * Loft conversion - getting plugged in Careful planning on where to put the electrical points will really save you a lot of bother and money as time goes by.
You need to have a clear picture of the kind of fixtures you will use in the room and the location of the electrical sockets.
Loft conversions - other considerations * Do you share a wall with your neighbour or neighbours? Will the loft conversion affect this set up and how will it do so? How about sound proofing? Will you need it because the adjoining wall is to thin? * Will there be sufficient light in the room or do you also need to add a window or two? If adding windows is not a practical solution, how many additional light fixtures will you need and where should they be placed for maximum effect.
* Other considerations include ventilation, heating, and insulation, and another big consideration should be storage.
If you were using the loft as a dumping ground for all those items you don't use but don't want to part with, its time to clean house.
Once you pare down the stuff you have and get rid of the unwanted, it is time to find a place to store what you want to keep.
Apart from this you will also need storage in the converted loft to store your bedroom items, maybe linen or clothes.
* One final consideration which is of great importance is to find out whether loft conversions require planning permission.
It is normally not required but you would do well to check before starting the work.